precociously
gb/pɹˈɛkˈoʊʃəsli/ us/pɹˈɛkˈoʊʃəsli/
C1
English
Senses
0 senses
adverb
C1
property
1
earlier than usual in development
in a way that is advanced for a young age
Usage pattern:
[someone/something] + [verb] + precociously; precociously + [adjective]
Common mistake:
Don’t confuse with 'previously' or 'precisely'. 'Precociously' is about being advanced earlier than normal.
Synonyms
prematurely (often suggests something happens too soon, sometimes negatively.)
|
early (more general and less specific to child development.)
|
ahead of their age (common phrasing that focuses on comparison to age peers.)
Antonyms
late (happening or developing later than expected.)
|
normally (at the usual time or level of development.)
Collocations
precociously intelligent
|precociously mature
|precociously gifted
|precociously talented
|precociously bright
|precociously advanced
|precociously aware
|precociously articulate
|precociously self-possessed
|precociously grown-up
Themes
education
|people
|childhood
|development
Examples
- She was reading precociously and finished chapter books at five.
- The child spoke precociously, using complex sentences in preschool.
- He seemed precociously mature, discussing politics like an adult.
Learner examples
- He is precociously smart for his age.
- She started talking precociously.
adverb
formal
C1
property
2
unusually early in time
earlier than expected
Usage pattern:
precociously + [adjective]; [something] + [verb] + precociously
Common mistake:
This use is less common than the meaning about children; in everyday speech people often just say 'unusually early'.
Synonyms
unusually early (plain, common alternative without the formal tone.)
|
ahead of schedule (often used for planned events or progress rather than seasons.)
Antonyms
late (occurring later than expected.)
|
belatedly (emphasizes lateness after the expected time.)
Collocations
precociously warm
|precociously hot
|precociously mild
|precociously early
|precociously green
|precociously in bloom
|precociously high
|precociously low
Themes
time
|weather
|nature
Examples
- The trees turned green precociously after a mild winter.
- It was precociously warm for March, and people were already wearing shorts.
- Several plants flowered precociously during the early heatwave.
Learner examples
- This year, spring came precociously.
- It was precociously warm in April.
Grammar
Dictionary form
precociously
IPA
GB/pɹˈɛkˈoʊʃəsli/
US/pɹˈɛkˈoʊʃəsli/
Syllables & stress
pre - co - ciously (3 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (pre)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: precociously
- Plural: precociouslies
Word family
Forms
precociouslies
noun
Core family
precocious
adjective C1
Advanced or less common
precocity
noun
precociousness
noun
Expressions
No expressions linked to this entry yet.